The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1887-05-13
GIVING A LIGHT.
The Manners of Spanish, German, English
and American Smokers.

The Manners of Spanish, German, English
and American Smokers.
There is certain variety in the
manner of giving and taking a light
for a cigar that is interesting to all
smokers The Italians and French
successfully copy the Spanish style,
which is the most graceful and ele-
giant of all, the only possible objection
to it being that it may sometimes carry
politeness beyond a reasonable range.
But, after all, it is simple and friendly
enough. The Spaniard bows and asks
his neighbor for light. The latter,
returning the bow, Immediately pre-
sents him with his cigar, holding out
the lighted end at a slight angle be-
tween the thumb and second finger
The other takes the cigar and, after
procuring the needed fire from it, re-
verses it skillfully and returns it, the
entire operation being accompanied by
another graceful bow, and each raises
his hat as he turns to go away. The
Spaniard always smokes through his
nose. He considers it extravagant to
waste any good smoke through his
mouth, and inveterate smokers in all
countries agree with him.
The German is more polite in asking
for a light than he is in giving it. Even
with the best intentions, in the latter
case his efforts have all the appearance
of reluctance. Sometimes, when his
cigar is smoked down nearly far
enough, he will throw it away imme-
diately after granting a request for fire.
This among the Latins is considered
rude and boorish in the extreme, and
is sometimes regarded as positively in
sulting.
The average Englishman hesitates
before he gives light, and finally acts
as if he had achieved a mighty feat in
condescension. Instead of lifting his
hat, his hand is more likely to 20 into
his pocket and he is apt to gfVe a part
ing puf With an air of indignation as
\NAe sNoNNs ocSecS, HosSNSNS NOAs S0NNSA
\ frOVA me tacS Mat NE Nevev asks 60r
5Hgbt himself and is always well aIzDe
with ma fches.
The American, of late, seems to be
somewhat aVerse to letting anyone take
eAg,NN fx0vN Mis- cAgsx. Ne takes II f0p
\ gxecNNeA Nat " xAN,AsN Nc N1NNC2N ns<&eS
7 than his neighbor' 5, and not wishing I
/c0Hkaminahe it he ansWers IN aDDea
for fire with a match. Some times he
politely lights the match, and in such
Eases he presents ff with an air good (
enough f0r ANY SpaniNUA, BuS this
somewhat new custom may possibly be
\ Of Xrtsh paventage. The Xylsn peasant
always strikes match for his fireles
/kf1eHd or keLloW kIaVeIeJ, md even in a
gale Of wind he viii hold a HQhted
match in the hollow of his hands and
issue orders for the capture
Of the precious flame.
X'Ne giving ox NaNSAMg Of aAgSNS SOY q
! cigar Is a small affair, but AittAe things
often reveal a great deal Of the charac
! ter, disposition and breeding Of men.
It should always be offered cheerfuIlY
and taken politely. In this country it
need not be done with that extreme
politeness and elegance which may be
szlid TO be the exclusive property Of the
Latins. and which is probably beyond
] the reach of colder and more sober
races; but it should be accompanied by
that good fellowship which is governed
by common sense, the foundation Of
all politeness.-N 7. Sun.